PSV Eindhoven vs Rangers betting tips: Champions League play-off round second leg preview, predictions, team news and odds
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PSV Eindhoven vs Rangers odds and betting statistics
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PSV Eindhoven vs Rangers recommended bets
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PSV Eindhoven vs Rangers match preview
Following last Tuesday’s entertaining 2-2 draw at Ibrox, it’s winner takes all in the Netherlands, with both desperate to get into the Champions League.
Eight nights ago, it was Rangers who struck first in Glasgow, Abdallah Sima with an absolute rocket in first half stoppage time, only for Ibrahim Sangaré to equalise on the hour mark.
Soon after, Rangers were back in front, Rabbi Matondo cooly finishing, having been played in by a perfect Cyriel Dessers through-ball, but PSV hit back once again, with Luuk de Jong ensuring it ended all square.
Just last season, these two teams met in the Champions League play-offs, playing out a 2-2 draw in Glasgow before Rangers won 1-0 in Eindhoven, with Antonio Čolak the match-winner.
Everyone inside Ibrox last week experienced a sense of déjà vu, and those of a Rangers persuasion will be hoping that this continues.
Last season was the first time in 12 years the Light Blues had mad it into the Champions League group stages but, once there, they lost all six matches, becoming the worst-performing team in the competition’s history.
This is, potentially, a season-defining week for Rangers, as they battle to be in Thursday’s Champions League group stage draw, before welcoming Celtic to Govan for the first Glasgow Derby of the season on Sunday.
PSV Eindhoven meantime are aiming to get into the Champions League group phase for the first time since 2018, beaten in qualifiers by Basel, Benfica and, as mentioned, Rangers subsequently.
Peter Bosz’s side hammered Sturm Graz 7-2 in the previous round, featuring a 4-1 home victory, and have won all three domestic matches so far, although they weren’t in action at the weekend, allowed to focus on this one.
So, can Rangers replicate last August’s famous victory at Philips Stadion, or will PSV make home advantage count?
PSV Eindhoven team news
Having had eight days to prepare for Rangers’ visit, there’s little reason for Peter Bosz to change very much.
Just a day after signing, Sergiño Dest was thrown in for his debut at left-back last Tuesday, with Patrick van Aanholt out injured.
A concern for PSV is the fact both centre-backs André Ramalho and Olivier Boscagli went off at Ibrox, with both doubts for this one.
Malik Tillman was a key contributor for Rangers against PSV in last year’s play-offs, but has since joined the Eredivisie side, so could he be the difference against his former club?
In attack, Luuk de Jong has already scored four times in Champions League qualifying this season, so will be the hero?
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Benítez; Teze, Ramalho, Boscagli, Dest; Sangaré, Veerman, Saibari; Bakayoko, Lang, de Jong.
Rangers team news
Michael Beale chose the speedy Abdallah Sima and Cyriel Dessers to lead the line last Tuesday, before Sam Lammers, Kemar Roofe and Danilo came in at Ross County on Saturday.
It’ll be interesting to see who he goes with this time.
The back four and midfield will remain in tact, featuring José Cifuentes, who’s quickly established himself as a key player, after arriving from LAFC.
James Tavernier, Connor Goldson and Borna Barišić all started last August’s victory in the same round at the same venue.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Butland; Tavernier, Goldson, Souttar, Barišić; Raskin, Jack, Cifuentes, Cantwell, Dessers; Sima.
UEFA Champions League play-off round results & fixtures
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